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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both of your lungs. It's usually caused by an infection with a germ (bacterium or virus). At the end of the breathing tubes in your lungs there are clusters of tiny air sacs. If you have pneumonia, these tiny sacs become inflamed and fill up with fluid. Pneumonia can affect people of any age.

Symptoms of pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly (over 24-48 hours) or may come on more slowly, over several days.

Pneumonia symptoms vary and can be similar to those of other chest infections, such as acute bronchitis.

Common symptoms

You are likely to have a cough. This can be dry, or may produce thick mucus (phlegm) that is yellow, green, brownish or blood-stained.

Other common symptoms include:

difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting

Pneumonia can affect people of any age, although it is more common and can be more serious in groups such as:

babies, young children and elderly people

people who smoke

people with other health conditions, such as a lung condition or a weakened immune system

Treating pneumonia

Mild cases of pneumonia can usually be treated at home with antibiotics and plenty of rest and fluids. For people with other health conditions, pneumonia can sometimes be severe and may need to be treated in hospital.